Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to upgrade the Dublin/Westport rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17460/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Iarnród Éireann informs me that the Dublin to Westport rail service will benefit from investment in two major railway programmes being undertaken over the next three years. First, by 2007 all the manual signalling systems on the Athlone to Westport route will be replaced with modern electronic signalling controlled from the company's central traffic control centre. This scheme will improve safety, operational efficiency and capacity on the Westport line.

Second, in 2007, Iarnród Éireann will take delivery of its new fleet of intercity diesel multiple unit trains which will ultimately replace all existing rolling stock on west of Ireland routes, including the Westport line. The new rolling stock, combined with the improved signalling, will enable an increase in service frequency and a reduction in journey times by 2008 on the Westport line.